Planning authority stalls 23-storey modular high-rise approval
MELBOURNE: Planning authorities have stalled progress on a multigenerational 23-storey modular high-rise series of low cost towers.
The Hills Shire Council has slammed the state government’s approval of a 23-storey pre-fab housing precinct at Rouse Hill as “overdevelopment at any cost,” accusing state planners of ignoring local government’s long-term vision for the region.
The mixed-use towers, which will be built at 2-30 Tempus St, will dramatically reshape the skyline of one of Sydney’s fastest-growing corridors after the state government approved the development.
Designed by architecture firm Architectus, the project will feature three buildings rising 11, 18, and 23 storeys above businesses and retail space near Rouse Holl metro station.
The project will use Volumetric Modular Construction which is a method where entire apartment sections are prefabricated offsite in a factory and assembled on-the-ground.
The council has slammed the decision, saying the residential units will replace land it had previously earmarked for employment opportunities, putting unprecedented strain on a region already grappling with some of the highest housing targets in the state – 23,300 homes by 2029.
Mayor Michelle Byrnes said the Tempus St development was approved despite the council’s strong and consistent objections.
“This decision gets it wrong on every level,” Cr Byrnes said in a statement.
“From the outset, council made it clear this proposal is inconsistent with the vision for the Rouse Hill Strategic Centre as a major employment and commercial hub.”
She said she had raised serious, unresolved concerns regarding traffic, parking, and a lack of state commitment to essential services like open spaces, libraries, and community facilities.
“The level of carparking proposed is inadequate for a development of this scale, and existing roads, footpaths and transport connections are already under significant pressure,” she said.
“The government, in the name of a housing crisis, is pushing ahead with density at any cost.”
“This is not density done well, this is overdevelopment, and it risks creating outcomes that future communities will resent.”
A Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure spokesman said: “The state significant development proposal for 2 Tempus St, Rouse Hill, will create 548 homes close to transport, jobs and services, and the Rouse Hill town centre.
“It went through a rigorous merit assessment that took into account potential impacts on traffic, parking and local infrastructure.
“The department’s assessment considered all council and community feedback and found that the proposal met the required standards and could go ahead, subject to approval conditions.”